Inquiry 2019
Willie Yuile
Contents
Inquiry goal
To implement several digital learning strategies into classes and PL
These include: using loom (rewindable learning)
Classroom Dojo - specifically as a tool to improve writing
Linewize/Hapara to monitor and control internet usage
My inquiry will be on the impact and effectiveness of digital tools on Maori students. Back to top
Overview: the new digital curriculum...
2020 is the integration date for the new digital curriculum. Here are the new areas that need to be integrated:
Here are some questions that the MOE have asked schools to consider:
Who will drive the new curriculum implementation and be seen as the leader within the school for the movement?What timeframes are you working towards?How will you create and use the right learning tools?How will the new curriculum integrate with your school’s established systems?What professional learning do your teachers require?
Also: Gisborne Boys’ High School has opted into the Manaiakalani programme. This offers professional learning in a specifically digital context. As I am a part of this programme, I need to understand the implementation of the digital curriculum - and am interested in trialling different digital tools.
Important links - curriculum resources and support
What have I noticed? Hunch?
I have noticed that students are enthusiastically accessing the internet, often with other goals than those specified in class.
My observations based on my use of classwize suggests that off task browsing can be a distraction often for more than 50% of the class and for more than 50% of the time. Evidence
Also, digital technology is used as (merely) a substitute for existing technology. So a chromebook is used instead of pen and paper for writing purposes. Or instead of a calculator for Mathematics.
Competition is extremely motivating: see the success of sites such as facebook and instagram that have ‘gamified’ the social experience. Can I gamify a skill such as writing?
What do I want to achieve?
Digital learning needs to be monitored for distraction (in my opinion), otherwise learning will not happen
Learning needs to be ‘rewindable’ - through the use of loom, students will be able to easily review lessons, repeat and understand
Learning needs to be engaging. This is where tools such as Education Perfect, Commonlit are useful. They also provide nearly instantaneous feedback.
Students are also motivated by competition. Classroom dojo, with its points system can contribute.
Learning needs to combine these digital elements/tool in effective ways.
Findings
Education Perfect example
I started setting my weekly spelling word homework as an Education Perfect homework activity. Results here Note that the highlighted names are those who have completed their homework as evidenced here
Evidence clearly shows that those who do their online homework will do much better. This is a fairly obvious conclusion but at least there is some evidence to support this.
Also evident - that students’ off task internet behaviour will decrease with monitoring. Evidence
Student voice 9Media
Findings continued...
Student voice 9Media
Classroom Dojo: evidence and spreadsheet
These graphs/data show the rapid gains students make in writing - with a specialized programme that combines Write That Essay and a competitive points system.
Note: although Classroom Dojo is used as a useful and convenient tool to provide accountability, it could easily be replicated offline.
Relevant Professional Learning 2019
Much of my PL this year has been directly relevant to my inquiry.
Here is a link to the blog I wrote about my PL when I was doing the digital fluency intensive. Look, I realise the blog posts are a bit long. Just skim if you’re interested. You’ll get the idea.